WEBSTERVILLE — Eugene Otis White, fifth-generation Vermonter and longtime Websterville resident, cashed in his last lottery ticket on Feb. 2, 2013, at the Vermont Respite House, after an extended battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Gene was born March 15, 1931, in Waltham, a town so small it was rumored that the town records were kept in someone’s closet. He was the youngest child of Harry White and Eva Kimball.

The family moved to Warren where he recalled being saved by his father from falling off the Warren covered bridge at the age of 3. They moved to Montpelier and at the age of 6, Gene lost his father in an accident. Gene graduated from Montpelier High School in 1949 and soon began employment at National Life Insurance Co.

In April 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving with the 501st Tactical Control Group in the European theater of operations during the Korean conflict. Upon his return, he rejoined National Life Insurance Co. until his retirement in 1988.

On June 30, 1956, he married Anita Crete in St. Monica Church in Barre. Together, they raised four children in Upper Websterville. He served his community as a Barre Town selectman, planning commissioner, justice of the peace and was on the Board of Civil Authority. He was a member of the Montpelier Elks Club, Montpelier Veterans of Foreign Wars, Barre American Legion, Mutuo Club and National Life Quarter Century Club.

Gene and Anita were avid golfers with Gene having two holes-in-one to his credit. They also enjoyed playing cards and wintering in the South with friends Don and Mary Jane Hayward, Taylor and Mona Millington, Duane and Pat Kittredge, and Tom and Ann Hill.

His wife, Anita, passed away May 27, 2005. He is survived by their children, Denis and Donna White, of Essex Junction, Donna and James Farless, of Hendersonville, Tenn., Diane and her companion, Lou Koniecki, of Waterford, Conn., and Doug and his companion, Amy Douglas, of Barre; also grandchildren McKenzie and Madison Farless, Dylan and wife Lindsay; and great-grandchildren Amylee and Cole.

He was predeceased by his parents and seven half-siblings.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St. in Barre.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at 11 a.m. at St. Sylvester’s Church in Graniteville.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Vermont Respite House for their outstanding dedication and perseverance. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495; or Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641.

Arrangements are in the care of the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St., Barre.